I’m Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics at LIU Post in New York. I’ve published several articles in professional journals and magazines, including Barron’s, The New York Times, Japan Times, Newsday, Plain Dealer, Edge Singapore, European Management Review, Management International Review, and Journal of Risk and Insurance. I’ve have also published several books, including Collective Entrepreneurship, The Ten Golden Rules, WOM and Buzz Marketing, Business Strategy in a Semiglobal Economy, China’s Challenge: Imitation or Innovation in International Business, and New Emerging Japanese Economy: Opportunity and Strategy for World Business. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the world giving lectures and seminars for private and government organizations, including Beijing Academy of Social Science, Nagoya University, Tokyo Science University, Keimung University, University of Adelaide, Saint Gallen University, Duisburg University, University of Edinburgh, and Athens University of Economics and Business. Interests: Global markets, business, investment strategy, personal success.

Better Than A College Degree: A Fast Track To Careers

When it comes to landing a successful career is there something better than a college degree?

It depends on what your “element,” your passion and capabilities are, and the time and money constraints you are facing.

If you have a passion for helping people cope with medical issues, you ‘re good in chemistry and biology, and you are willing to spend the time and money to go to college, you may want to aim for a medical degree.

If you have a passion for electrical engineering, you’re good in math and physics, and you have the time and money to spend in college, you may want to aim for an engineering degree.

But if you don’t have the money and time to go to college, you may want to find a different track.

Want to help people with medical issues? Aim for a certificate in surgical technologies, which can help you land a career in this fast-growing industry. Or a certificate in emergency medical services, which can help you become an emergency medical technician and paramedic.

According to Elka Torpey, author of “Certificates: A fast track to careers” published in the recent issue of Occupational Outlook Quarterly, a certificate is a good alternative to a college degree. It takes less time, less money, and increases the chances of finding a job in certain occupations — like the ones listed in the table below.

A Sample of Occupations Where A Certificate Is More Important Than A College Degree

Occupations

Percent of Workers Holding Postsecondary Certificate

Percent Of Workers Holding a Bachelor’s Degree

Surgical technologists

44%

0%

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics

41

12

Dental assistants

68

0

Pharmacy technicians

39

0

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

23

0

Tool and die makers

68

0

Computer-controlled machine too operators,

32

1

“Certificates are non-degree awards for completing an educational program of study after high school,” she writes. “Typically, students finish these programs to prepare for a specific occupation. And they do so in a relatively short period of time: Most certificates take less than a year to complete, and almost all are designed to take less than 2 years.”

Certificate holders earn anywhere between 15% to 62% percent more than non-certificate holders, provided that the certificate is from a legitimate school and program accredited by nationally recognized organizations; and the holder works in an occupation related to the certificate.

A Few Words of Caution: While certificates help their holders get a job, they usually have little value when it comes to advancing to managerial positions or moving to occupations unrelated to the occupation for which the certificate is issued. That’s why a bachelors degree may still be a better choice for those who can afford it.

Post Your Comment

Post Your Reply

Forbes writers have the ability to call out member comments they find particularly interesting. Called-out comments are highlighted across the Forbes network. You'll be notified if your comment is called out.